HARRISBURG— Pennsylvania’s April jobs report broke more new ground, as the unemployment rate hit a record low and payrolls hit a record high for a third straight month.
The state Department of Labor and Industry said Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate dropped by one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.8%. The state says its records go back to 1976.
The national unemployment rate was 3.6% in April. Among states, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate ranks around the middle.
A survey of households found Pennsylvania’s civilian labor force shrank by 4,000, as employment rose by 3,000 to a record high above 6.2 million. Unemployment is at its lowest point since 2000.
A separate survey of employers showed seasonally adjusted non-farm payrolls rose 9,400, to a record high above 6 million.
The figures are preliminary and could change.
